Research Finds New Options For Women with Stage IV Breast Cancer

Breakthrough Brings Physicians Closer to Developing Customized Cancer Treatments

Falls Church, VA  – (May 29, 2009) — Researchers at Inova Fairfax Hospital led a study that gives Stage IV breast cancer patients new treatment options. This breakthrough brings physicians one step closer to developing customized and targeted cancer treatments for their patients.

The results of the international study will be announced June 1 at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cancer Oncologists in Orlando, FL, where more than 500 abstracts will be presented.

A collaboration of oncologists from around the world and throughout Northern Virginia, the Phase III study evaluated use of Bevacizumab (Avastin) — which stops cancerous tumors from growing by altering blood vessels — in addition to prescribed chemotherapy treatment. Breast cancer treated with Avastin and chemotherapy drugs slowed the progression of the cancer in patients when compared to using chemotherapy by itself. The results of this study provide more options in treating Stage IV breast cancer.

“There are multiple chemotherapy medicines for women with advanced breast cancer, so it is important to understand Avastin’s efficacy and safety in combination with these different treatments,” said Nicholas Robert, MD, chair, cancer committee, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and principal investigator of the study.  “Combining Avastin with commonly used chemotherapies could give physicians more flexibility to tailor the most appropriate course of Avastin-based therapy for patients.”

Nearly 50 percent of the Stage IV metastatic breast cancer patients who participated in the Phase III randomized study were from the United States. Patients administered Avastin and an oral chemotherapy drug reduced the chances of their breast cancer worsening by 45 percent.

Avastin is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in metastatic cancers, which are cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

“Avastin has been studied as a first-line treatment in more than 2,600 women with advanced breast cancer in three Phase III trials, and we have confidence in its ability to help delay breast cancer progression,” said Hal Barron, M.D., executive vice president, Global Development and chief medical officer, Genentech. “We plan to submit data to the Food and Drug Administration in the second half of 2009.”

Inova Fairfax Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and is a recipient of its 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award for cancer care.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.

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